So what are your thoughts on the Chinese M14's...I just purchased a M14S manufactured by Polytech Industries for $750 Oh YES I know it's not a Springfield...but the price was right for as often as I will shoot it. It is my understanding that they are of better quality than the Norinco's. What do you say gun world??? Share your thoughts??? :)

I have a Polytech M14s that I have had for about 10 years. It is more accurate than my Springfield M1A. I have changed the trigger group, stock, and operating rod to US military parts. I found that if you pull on the factory op rod handle that it will flex enough to slip off the bolt.

The main problem you hear about these is the bolt and headspace.I think the main reason is that the Chicoms are chambered for 7.62 NATO and not .308 Win.A Field 308 headspace gauge will allow the bolt to close on occasion. The longer 7.62 Field gauge usually will not.The problem is that there are no or rare commercial 7.62 Field headspace gauges.Clymer's will make one on special order.The other major problem is that the bolt lug angle is sometimes off a bit causing mating discrepancies in the receiver.I think this is the actual cause of the increasing headspace problems.The bolt steel on 2 of ours has been tested and is Rockwell 46 so My opinion is that the bolts are NOT soft.As long as the headspace stays under 7.62 field you are OK.

A simple solution is one of the newer ChiCom bolts sold in Canada if you have a friend there.My wife,children and I each have a ChiCom M14 clone.Only one has had the Warbird bolt replacement.One of mine has over 12,000 rds through her.

Oh Yeah...The Flash Supressor is a Vortex! I've ran only 50 rounds through it so far and it seemed to work just fine. It actually was a joy to shoot...next time we'll check for accuracy. I used 7.62 NATO surplus ammo. Thanks for all trhe comments it is much appreciated...keep'em comming!

The Polytech M14S is available new in Canada for less than $450.00 American. These are durable,reliable, and accurate firearms and thanks to Bill Klinton and the apathy of American citizens/gunowners they are banned in the US.